Gastroesophageal reflux disease in minority America

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common diseases presently seen in American clinical practice. The vast majority of research in this country for GERD has evaluated non-Hispanic whites or a multiethnic group with obvious biases. Minimal information exists regarding GERD in the minority groups (African, Asian, Hispanic and Native Americans) of the nation. Available data indicates the following: African Americans have a decreased prevalence of GERD and Barrett's esophagus and Hispanic Americans have a similar prevalence of Barrett's esophagus as in non-Hispanic whites. No data exists for GERD in either Asian or Native Americans. Further investigation regarding the prevalence, severity, esophageal function/dysfunction, clinical presentation and treatment outcome of GERD in minority groups needs to be performed in order to provide the maximum benefit for all Americans with this disease.